Kuala Lumpur - Batik and tenun (embroidery) aficionados are expected to throng to Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur at Jalan Conlay here when the Batik and Tenun Malaysia Festival is staged from tomorrow to Aug 30.
Themed `Batik & Tenun Mewarnai Dunia`, (Painting the world with Batik and Tenun), the carnival focuses on the commercial value and creativity in batik printing and traditional embroidery to ensure that these national artistic heritage are firmly entrenched in the younger generation.
The event, organised by the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry and its agency, Kraftangan Malaysia (Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation) is opened to public from 10am to 8pm.
AIM of Carnival
According to Kraftangan Malaysia, the carnival is held to promote the use of batik and tenun wear among the nation`s multi-racial society apart from being used for interior decoration.
"It (the carnival) would also display the latest series of craft products apart from the batik and tenun fashion wear for the European market," it said in a statement.
Some 150 entrepreneurs are expected to participate in the carnival.
Among the activities at the event are exhibitions on batik and tenun based fashion and interior decoration as well as the sale of batik and tenun products and demonstrations on craft making.
Batik and Tenun as the Choice
The organisers are hoping that Malaysians would be able to accept batik and tenun apparel as the fashion wear that they can be proud of.
Hence, the event also focuses on depicting batik and tenun as formal and casual wear, either contemporary or customary depending on preference and trend.
Meanwhile, according to Kraftangan Malaysia, the 2009 exhibition on Batik and Tenun Interior Decoration, to be held next year, would focus on batik and tenun textile items for interior furnishings.
Products to be on display would be that for interior decoration of homes, offices and hotels.
"The 2009 exhibition will focus on the European market, which places a premium on the uniqueness and creativity of ethnic arts," it said.
Opportunities for Entrepreneurs, Visitors
This year`s fiesta also provides a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs in the batik and tenun industry, providing them the opportunity to establish direct contact with prospective clients in receiving orders.
The special orders, which may come from the corporate sector as well as individuals, can be in the form of fabrics, souvenirs, gifts and interior decor items.
This way, some 150 entrepreneurs taking part in the event can broaden their business networking, particularly at the domestic front.
Visitors on the other hand would be able to have a closer look at the art of batik making and tenun craft.
They would also be given the opportunity to be involved in batik painting and canting (inking) apart from the Mari Belajar Batik (Lets Learn Batik) interactive programme.
Batik and Tenun Gala Night
The highlight of the festival will be the Batik and Tenun Gala Night scheduled at 8pm on Aug 23, with Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah as the guest of honour.
Some 120 collections of contemporary and traditional batik and tenun wear would be on show at the gala event.
Two Kraftangan Malaysia`s in-house designers will display their creations along with seven renowned designers, one of whom is a foreign guest designer. By Melati Mohd Ariff
Source: http://www.bernama.com/ (August 19, 2008)
